On Wednesday, 18 May 2016 21:24:24 UTC+1, Tim Lamb wrote:

As an antidote to the Brexit discussion I intend to beg comment on a
series of queries related to an about to start extension/major refurb.
of an existing timber frame chalet bungalow.

Not having Tim Ws stamina the bulk of the structural/roofing work will
be done by a local building company.

Q1. The existing windows are narrow spacing double glazed in brown
painted pine. Two or three panels are blown and need renewing anyway. My
first thought was to strip out the glass and strip off the paint.
Re-paint in white and fit modern argon filled panels. However, the
glazing rebate is much too narrow to use 4:16:4 units.

Six new windows are required for the alterations so current thinking is
to go for new throughout. First estimate for 12 windows and two doors
came in at 18K fitted. This afternoon was spent trawling round the local
showrooms. I'm not much wiser:-( The much vaunted narrow mullion
aluminium does not seem to exist. By the time they have put in the
plastic thermal break and endless folds for strength and appearance they
are as fat as uPVC.

Why replace the existing windows? Just fix them like for like if they're misting.



Thoughts please. Does uPVC really stay clean and shiny for 20 years?

the gloss goes & it becomes somewhat uncleanable. If facing onto a street there's also a slight risk of cigarette burns. I'd plan on a set of windows staying for a lot longer than 20 years!

With new PVC I'd go for external glazing. The advantage is that when the sealed unit seals fail (not if), they don't mist up & don't need replacing.

Have you considered new durable species timber windows to match the existing? (but with deeper whatsits.)

If you go for ali windows, beware of colour finishes such as powder coating. Nothing sticks well to ali, lumps come off in time. They only reliable way to colour ali is anodisation.


NT